Macron defends pension reforms at farm fair

French President Emmanuel Macron sought to defend his unpopular pension plan Saturday in an effort to show he hears concerns of farmers and other ordinary citizens at France's biggest farm fair. The pension changes meant to raise the minimum retirement age from 62 to 64, amid other measures, were among recurrent topics during the visit at the Paris Agricultural Fair, where Macron spent the day.

A few activists briefly shouted “no to the pension plan”, brandishing cardboard posters written “64 years, its dead” and “metro, work, tomb.” Scuffles broke out as Macron's security sought to hold back the protesters. Macron has vowed to go ahead with the reform despite a series of strikes and protests in the country.